This past year has been marked by an array of thought-provoking exhibitions that have not only captivated audiences but also stirred conversations around pressing social, cultural, and environmental issues. From celebrating diversity to questioning societal norms, the exhibitions have showcased the power of art in reflecting and shaping our world.

the wind blows…waves in all directions exhibition, held as part of EuroPride, emerged as a poignant exploration of the multifaceted experiences of the LGBTIQA+ community across the Mediterranean basin. Curated by Bobb Attard & Mohamed Ali Agrebi, the exhibition brought together artists and activists from 11 countries, highlighting themes of resistance, gender expression, and sexual liberation. Representing Pride continued this narrative, offering a compelling visual journey through the lens of eight talented photographers. Their works, mentored by renowned photographer Tanya Habjouqa and curated by Samira Damato, delved into autobiographical narratives, challenging conditioned perspectives on gender and identity.

Shifting gears, the SACES Architecture Student Expo in collaboration with SACES & The Faculty of Built Environment provided a platform for emerging talents to showcase their creativity and vision for the constructed environment. From architectural models to digital graphics, students from the University of Malta offered fresh perspectives on design and innovation. In a celebration of contemporary motherhood, ĠUF by Rebecca Bonaci reimagined the cultural-historical significance of the Maltese word for ‘womb’. Through a nuanced exploration of societal changes and personal experiences, the exhibition presented a compelling dialogue between past and present.

In collaboration with ŻiguŻajg Festival and Arts Council Malta Possible Worlds tackled urgent environmental concerns, inviting audiences to envision alternative futures through diverse artworks. Curated by Nikki Petroni, the exhibition fostered a dialogue on sustainability and collective action, with a special emphasis on engaging children in shaping their present and future. Meanwhile, the Spazju Kreattiv Art Collection – Open Research was a commissioned project that offered a retrospective glance at the organisation’s legacy, showcasing a diverse array of exhibits from our in-house art collection. Curated by Daniel Azzopardi, the exhibition served as a testament to the evolving landscape of the Maltese creative sector and highlighted Spazju Kreattiv’s development as a core element in the cultural landscape. The project also included the creation of an open digital archive, which is accessible and regularly updated for the public via our website.

In a bold exploration of identity and authenticity, Sheepsbodies by Matthew F. Cassar and Lara Calleja challenged societal norms in a multidisciplinary exhibition that blurred the lines between literature, visual art, and music. In the same period, HUMAN(KIND) by G. Luigi Rossi, curated by Louis Lagana, delved into the core social issues affecting society, urging viewers to confront disparities and inequalities while celebrating empathy and collective action. Drawing metaphorical parallels between artistic creation and natural processes, the collective exhibition Glasshouse with Gilbert Calleja, Jesmond Vassallo and Robert Zahra, curated by Caldon Mercieca, offered a unique perspective on the evolution of artworks and the transformative power of art within a space.

DREAM[of]LAND commissioned by Spazju Kreattiv, combined narratives of identity, belonging, and home through the blurred overlap of art-making and craft. It brought together a body of collective work exploring the tangible manipulation of matter through acts of weaving, moulding and sculpting, not only of conventional materials but of narratives, memories and legacies. Supported by Arts Council Malta and the European Union, the exhibition curated by Sarah Chircop and Elyse Tonna, comprising over 7 creatives, sought to question and redefine the significance of matter and materiality, by regarding it as an active agent with its own historicity and potentiality for dreams and change.

Celebrating the vibrant legacy of Pawlu Curmi, affectionately known as Il-Pampalun, the carnival exhibition curated by Mario Coleiro paid homage to an icon of Malta’s carnival scene. Through this collaboration with Festivals Malta, audiences were invited to explore the life and legend of Pawlu Curmi, delving into his rich legacy through curated displays and research. From his early days crafting carnival floats to his later contributions to dance and choreography, Curmi’s story serves as a testament to the power of creativity and community in shaping Maltese culture.

European Digital Treasures by the National Archives of Malta was a video installation of short films on the management of centennial archives in the 21st century. These edits, created by 7 partners from 7 countries, brought together a multi-stakeholder team comprised of state archives, a technological institute, a cultural incubator, a research institution and an international network of cultural heritage institutions. On the other hand, the exhibition Trebisonda, confondersi by Giulia Betti stemmed from a collaborative exchange between the artist and Mélodie Lasselin and Simon Capelle of ZONE -poème- during their residency at the Teatro Dimora in Italy in November 2022. The drawings featured snapshots from rehearsals intertwined with Renaissance-inspired figures adorned in traditional Italian attire from the Urbino region, where Betti pursued her studies. These figures provoke contemplation on the intricate relationship between warfare and humanity.

Anne Immelé’s Melita, מלט −mlṭ, refuge, forming part of the first edition of the Malta Biennale, poignantly captured the intersecting narratives of migration and refugee, drawing parallels between ancient routes of conquest and contemporary migratory paths. Additionally, INEARTH, UNEARTH: Archives of Matter and Ritual by Victor Agius offered a deep dive into the multifold meanings associated with core materials, inviting audiences to explore the layers of individual and collective memory embedded within them.

The season was also host to the collective exhibition in collaboration with the Malta Crafts Foundation showcasing the finalists for the Premju Ġieħ l-Artiġjanat Malti. Held for the first time as part of the Spazju Kreattiv programme, the exhibition recognises excellence in craftsmanship, innovative product ideas, and key contributions to the local artisan sector in the preceding months.

In a reimagining of Graeco-Roman myths, fabricATE by Gabriel Buttigieg and curated by Lisa Gwen, presented a metamorphosis of ancient narratives, weaving together themes of morality, eroticism, and spirituality. Finally, Shifting Contexts III in collaboration with Aġenzija Żgħażagħ continued to push the boundaries of contemporary discourse, encouraging artists to explore innovative approaches to meaning-making around the theme of ‘water’. The 3rd edition featured a cohort of 15 artists, of which 2 collectives, and was curated by Trevor Borg. 

The season concluded with our annual collaboration with MCAST; the MCAST ICA Festival continued to serve as a platform for emerging creatives to showcase their talents, celebrating the inherent chaos and control in the creative process. Now in its 8th edition, this venture has become a cornerstone of the Spazju Kreattiv programme, hosting a multidisciplinary event that celebrates creativity in various forms. It provides hundreds of graduating students the impetus to pursue careers in the cultural and creative sectors and beyond.

This year’s exhibitions have not only celebrated diversity and creativity but also sparked important conversations and reflections on pressing societal and environmental issues, underscoring the transformative power of art in shaping our world.